The National Identification Registry of Liberia has joined countries around the world in commemorating International Identification Day, marked with a grand parade through the streets of Monrovia and a colorful indoor event attended by hundreds of students, foreign diplomats, government officials, and citizens.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Andrew Peters, Executive Director of the National Identification Registry, highlighted the significance of this global observance, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of unique legal identity and the plight of millions who lack it.
“Everyone has the fundamental right to be seen, recognized, and included. This is why the UN has set 2030 as the target date for everyone to legally belong to a place they can call their own,” Peters said.
He outlined the key benefits of a secure national biometric identification system, including enhanced security and law enforcement, as well as financial inclusion by providing a reliable means of identification for citizens to access banking services and participate in the formal economy.
Representing President Joseph Boakai, the Director General of the Civil Service Agency, Josiah Joekai, acknowledged the crucial role of identification in a country’s development.
He noted that Liberia has historically faced the negative consequences of not having a reliable identification system, which has limited the government’s ability to plan, implement policies, and ensure that every citizen receives the benefits they deserve.
Joekai stressed the global significance of this issue, with millions of people around the world lacking legal identity, which creates numerous challenges in accessing basic services, exercising political rights, and participating in the economy.
He highlighted Liberia’s important role in addressing this problem, not only for its own citizens but also for the broader region, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which seeks to ensure that everyone has a legal identity by 2030.
The celebration of International Identification Day in Liberia is a significant step towards ensuring that every citizen is recognized and included in the country’s development efforts, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
